• food,  Gift Guide,  Los Angeles,  San Diego

    Phyllis Ann’s Family Recipes Come to Life in Easy-to-Make Cake and Cookie Mixes That Bring Families Together Over the Holidays

    Make mouthwatering family desserts this Thanksgiving

    Cooking at home with family has been shown to nurture physical health and develop cultural and family bonds, and there’s no better time to come together than over Thanksgiving.[1][2] From mouthwatering cakes and cookies to seasonings, rice and breading, Phyllis Ann’s Family Recipes is making it simple —and delicious— to spend time with family in the kitchen. Featuring 38 boxed recipes based on the home recipes of Family Chef Phyllis Ann Carter like holiday favorite Southern Pound Cake, Phyllis Ann’s is bringing families together this holiday season.

    Phyllis Ann’s is a family brand through and through. The company’s popular boxed mixes are based on the beloved recipes of Phyllis Ann, whose children created a packaged food company to share these with all. Phyllis Ann would cook extensive feasts for her family’s holiday gatherings, with dessert being a favorite course. Each of her four children had their favorite cake — Rich German Chocolate for Tanikia and Antonio, Strawberry for Kathy, and Carrot for Rodrigues.

    In 2020, her children decided it was time to share their mother’s beloved recipes with the world. Since, Katherine, Tanikia, Rodrigues, Antonio, Rodrigues’ wife Nicole, and Antonio’s wife Dawanna have built Phyllis Ann’s Recipes into a booming food brand, selling and sampling Phyllis Ann’s popular boxed mixes at their Polaris Center storefront in Columbus, Ohio and online at thephyllisannbrand.com. Now, anyone can share Phyllis Ann’s famous cakes and cookies with their family and friends. These delectable, boxed desserts delight guests with stunning flavors without the stress of preparing everything from scratch, making them the perfect finale to a holiday meal.

    Phyllis Ann’s offers premade cake and cookie mixes based on beloved homemade recipes. With the addition of just a few wet ingredients, such as butter, eggs, and milk, Phyllis Ann’s allows home cooks to make decadent, crowd-pleasing desserts with little effort.

    Phyllis Ann’s delicious dessert mixes include:

    • Chocolate Cake Mix
    • Gourmet Carrot Cake Mix                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • Southern Pound Cake Mix
    • Lemon Cake Mix
    • Strawberry Cake Mix
    • Pumpkin Morning Cake Mix
    • Pineapple Cake Mix
    • Vanilla Cake Mix
    • Vanilla Bean Pound Cake Mix
    • Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix
    • Double Chocolate Chip Brookie Mix

    Fun fact: Their cookies are so popular for holiday entertaining, that the siblings call them the “comeback cookies,” because anyone who buys them comes back for more.


    For foodies who want to explore Phyllis Ann’s more extensive line, they also offer breading mixes, Willie Roy’s Southern Chicken Fry Mix, Willie Roy’s Southern Fish Fry, seasoned rice collection, pancake and waffle mix, seasonings, and seasonal products.

    About Phyllis Ann’s Family Recipes

    Phyllis Ann Carter has been creating her famous homemade dishes and desserts for her family for decades. In 2020, her children decided it was time to share their mother’s beloved recipes with the world. Since, Katherine, Tanikia, Rodrigues, and Antonio have built Phyllis Ann’s Recipes into a booming food brand, selling at their Columbus, OH storefront and online at thephyllisannbrand.com. The company offers 38 SKUs of delectable, boxed dishes and seasonings, based on homemade recipes, that are convenient and easy to make. Bring delicious meals from Phyllis Ann’s kitchen to yours. For more info, please visit  www.thephyllisannbrand.com.

  • Books,  food,  San Diego

    Dr. Wendie Trubow Offers Healing Food Recipes to Rejuvenate, Recharge and Detox During the Holidays

    The holiday season is traditionally a time for celebration, family gatherings, and indulging in delicious feasts. However, it’s also a period when many people tend to overindulge in unhealthy foods and drinks, leaving them feeling sluggish and less than their best. Dr. Wendie Trubow, MD, renowned wellness expert and physician and author of Dirty Girl: Ditch the Toxins, Look Great, and Feel Freaking Amazing, has tips, advice, and recipes to help us get through the holidays and feel great.
    Dr. Trubow’s detox philosophy and recipes provide a structured and comprehensive approach to detoxifying the body and mind, allowing us to enjoy the holidays without compromising our health. The program and recipes in her book are designed to promote increased energy levels, mental clarity, and a sense of rejuvenation.
    “I understand that the holiday season can be a difficult time to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” says Dr. Trubow. “I wrote my book to empower individuals to make positive choices, enjoy the holidays, and enter the new year feeling revitalized and ready to tackle their health goals.”
    Dr. Wendie Trubow, MD, MBA, IFM Certified Practitioner is passionate about helping women optimize their health and lives as a gynecologist.  Through her struggles with mold and metal toxicity, Celiac disease, and other health issues, Wendie developed a deep sense of compassion and expertise for what her patients are facing.  She is regularly featured on MindBodyGreen and Huffington Post websites, an accomplished speaker and previously had her own television program.  She is on the faculty of 4AM and a speaker for their conferences as well as other national societies.  To learn more about Dr. Trubow visit Home | Five Journeys.
    To get through the holidays, try these detoxing recipes: Recipes and photos may be reprinted with the following credit: Recipe(s) and photo(s) reprinted with permission from  Dirty Girl: Ditch the Toxins, Look Great and Feel  by Dr. Wendie Trubow and Ed Levitan / Lioncrest Publishing
     
    Detox Smoothie
    1 Serving
    Start your day with this fresh and delicious smoothie.
    AIP, Candida Friendly, Dairy Free, Detox Friendly, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Grain Free, Low FODMAP,
    Low Sugar, Nut Free, Paleo, Peanut Free, Soy Free, Sugar Free, Vegan, Whole 30
    Ingredients
    Juice of ½ lemon, or 1 lime
    1 cup arugula, baby kale, or other leafy green of choice
    ⅓ of an avocado
    1 small bunch of cilantro or other herb of choice
    ¼ inch piece of peeled ginger
    1 cup frozen organic berries
    1-2 scoops of protein or Vital Proteins collagen powder
    1 cup coconut water
    1+ cup of dairy free milk or water, as needed to thin the mixture (you can also add ice to thicken the mixture)
    Preparation:
    Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender, and blend on high until everything is smooth and blended. Enjoy!
    Tip
    Make smoothie cubes by skipping the extra water or dairy free milk and pour the finished mixture into a silicone ice cube tray. Freeze for at least 4 hours. Now you have smoothie cubes you can use to blend in the morning with 1 cup
    of dairy free milk or water to make your morning routine a lot easier!
     
    Cucumber Roll Ups
    6 Servings
    This dish makes for a great holiday party appetizer.
    AIP, Candida Friendly, Dairy Free, Detox Friendly, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Grain Free, Keto, Kid Friendly, Low Sugar, Nut Free, Paleo, Peanut Free, Soy Free, Sugar Free, Vegan, Whole 30
    Ingredients:
    3 medium cucumbers
    ½ cup guacamole or mashed avocado
    ¼ cup parsley or cilantro, or other fresh herb of choice
    ½ cup shredded carrots
    ½ cup shredded red cabbage
    Coconut aminos or tahini for dipping
    Optional protein: Organic sliced tofu or slices of meat of choice
    Toothpicks
    Preparation:
    Start by using a mandolin or vegetable peeler to slice long-wise, a long strip of cucumber about 1/4 inch thick and lay flat on a plate or tray. Do this with all of the cucumbers, leaving the hard/thick skin ends out.
    Once you have all the cucumber strips, pat them on both sides with a paper towel to drain excess moisture.
    On top of each cucumber strip, lay out the mashed avocado or guacamole in a thin layer as the base. Now start laying
    the other toppings in an even layer over the avocado, leaving the protein for last.
    Once the layers are done, start slowly rolling the cucumber up with the filling and place a toothpick in the entire roll
    up to hold it together.
    Place on a plate with your dipping sauce of choice on the side and enjoy!
  • food,  Gift Guide,  Los Angeles,  New York

    Indulge in the warm and comforting flavors of home with Phyllis Ann’s cake mix

    New to cooking? Well, that’s not a problem, you’ve come to the right place. Phyllis Ann’s Family Recipe has done all the heavy work for you combining the perfect blend of ingredients with easy-to-follow instructions to have you serving up gourmet homemade style goodies in no time!

    All of Phyllis Ann’s products are family favorites from Phyllis Ann’s kitchen to yours. They look forward to providing a affordable option for everyone to enjoy Homemade Style favorites with ease. The goal at Phyllis Ann’s Family Recipe is to spread the love of family around the globe one meal at a time by bringing families and communities together with the love of cooking. This exceptional brand pays homage to their extraordinary mother, Phyllis Ann Carter, the true culinary genius and inspiration behind their delectable dry good recipes.

    Southern Pound Cake Mix

    Phyllis Ann’s Southern Pound Cake is super moist and delicious, if you’re looking for a perfect dessert, look no further. This top selling Southern Pound Cake is made from scratch from Phyllis Ann’s very own signature recipe.

    With easy to follow instructions and an abundance of delicious flavor, Phyllis Ann’s southern pound cake will have you hooked with the first bite!

    With Phyllis Ann’s Family Recipe Southern Pound Cake Mix, you can now enjoy a classic and delicious Southern Pound Cake right in the comfort of your own home. All you need to do is add 3 simple wet ingredients and you’re just minutes away from indulging in a moist and fluffy cake that tastes just like it was made from scratch.

    Chocolate Cake Mix

    If your a chocolate lover, look no further Phyllis Ann’s chocolate cake mix will certainly satisfy your sweet tooth. This super delicious homemade style cake mix will have you baking like a pro in no time. As always Phyllis Ann’s Family Recipe has done all the heavy lifting for you. You simply need to add the wet ingredients and bake to serve up the most moist and scrumptious chocolate cake you’ll ever have!

    With Phyllis Ann’s Chocolate Cake Mix, you can make a moist and delicious homemade-style chocolate cake using only 4 straightforward wet ingredients. Bid farewell to crumbly, unsatisfying cakes and welcome a luxurious and chocolatey cake that’s guaranteed to please. Store-bought cakes just won’t do when you can have a delectable and beautiful cake in the comfort of your own kitchen. Order now and commence your baking journey towards sweet success!

    For many years, Phyllis Ann Carter has been known for baking the yummiest desserts for family and friends. Phyllis Ann, affectionately called Candy, has kept the tradition of keeping everyone’s sweet tooth satisfied for more than 50 years.

    Everyone looks forward to the holidays (and even the “just because” days) when she fires up the oven and whip’s up family favorite homemade dishes and desserts. Some of the desserts Mom is known for include Sour Cream Pound Cake, German Chocolate Cake, Lemon Cake, Pineapple Upside Down Cake, and a selection of pies, cobblers, cookies, desserts, and Southern Style Soul Food Cooking.

    It was 53 years ago that she married the love of her life, Father Willie Carter, who is the inspiration behind Willie Roy’s Southern Style Fish and Chicken Fry.  They built a life and family together that includes four children: Rodrigues, Antonio, Katherine, and Tanikia.

    In 2020, their children along with their spouses decided it was time for everyone to enjoy the same delicious desserts and foods that they have enjoyed all their lives. They formed a company, compiled the recipes, and selected the finest ingredients and natural flavors. Now, they are prepared to share Phyllis Ann’s Homemade Style Recipes Made Simple with everyone.

    The vision of the brand is to bring Phyllis Ann’s Family Recipe from their mother’s kitchen to yours!

  • Children's Books,  food

    LET’S EAT : Recipes for Kids Who Cook

    LET’S EAT : Recipes for Kids Who Cook 

    DL Acken & Aurelia Louvet 

    A colourful, comprehensive cookbook that teaches kids (ages 9+) and beginner chefs to  cook, and arms them with accessible yet impressive recipes they can make with little to-no parental supervision. 

    • Let’s Eat brings together kitchen basics, tools, terminology, and 60+ recipes with  loads of variations to suit a range of tastes.  
    • Follow this fun, choose-your-own-adventure style primer, with its bold, colourful  photography, kids will soon advance from quick afterschool snacks and summer  picnics to breakfasts in bed and full-course family dinners (with dessert, of course).  Recipes like: 
    • Sticky Soda Pop Ribs 
    • Spaghetti Bolognese 
    • Falafel Veggie Burgers 
    • Deviled Eggs 
    • Pulled Chicken Tacos 
    • Sweet Potato Curry 
    • Teriyaki Baked Salmon 
    • Oven Baked Doughnuts 

    “Vibrant, fun, and full of tips and recipes that manage to be kid-friendly without being  too kiddish. Perfect for budding school-aged cooks!” 

     —Stacie Billis, Co-host, Didn’t I Just Feed You podcast 

  • Eco,  food,  Los Angeles,  New York,  San Diego

    Boxed Water’s Sustainability and Flavor Fusion: The Watermelon Refreshment

    Boxed Water has gained prominence for its trailblazing approach to sustainable packaging in the realm of hydration. By offering an environmentally conscious alternative to conventional bottled water, the brand addresses the urgent need to reduce plastic waste. Embracing recyclable paper-based cartons as containers, Boxed Water stands as a symbol of progress toward a greener future. This innovative packaging choice not only significantly diminishes the carbon footprint of water distribution but also resonates with a modern, minimalist aesthetic that encapsulates the brand’s commitment to sustainability.

    Diversifying their offerings, Boxed Water has ventured into the realm of flavor with the introduction of Watermelon Flavor. While remaining steadfast in their mission to combat plastic waste, they’ve incorporated a touch of the familiar and delightful taste of watermelon into their pure, refreshing water. The result is a nuanced blend that marries the crisp clarity of water with the subtle sweetness of watermelon. Each sip is an invitation to embrace the essence of summer’s quintessential fruit, providing a refreshing departure from plain water. The Watermelon Flavor resonates with nostalgia, offering a welcome twist on the everyday act of hydration.

    Boxed Water‘s Watermelon Flavor encapsulates their ethos of harmonizing sustainability and taste. This innovation underscores the brand’s commitment to providing more than just water – it’s an embodiment of their desire to reshape the way we hydrate, both for our bodies and the planet. By fusing a touch of flavor with their dedication to eco-conscious packaging, Boxed Water transforms a routine activity into a conscious choice. Whether you’re enjoying the Watermelon Flavor or any of their other offerings, each carton becomes a testament to the potential for positive change, reminding us that sustainable choices can be not only responsible but also enjoyable.

  • food,  Gift Guide,  Health,  Los Angeles,  San Diego

    Introducing Mightylicious Cookies—artisanal, allergen-friendly treats that never sacrifice taste or texture

    Think gluten-free means flavor-free? Think again. There’s a new cookie in town, and it’s taking the snack world by storm.

    Say hello to Mightylicious, the hand-crafted cookie that truly has it all: amazing flavor, perfect texture, clean ingredients—everything you want in a cookie except the gluten.

    What sets these decadent cookies apart from the rest is their surprising deliciousness. Everyone is singing the praises of Mightylicious, not just people with celiac disease and health-conscious snackers, but anyone who simply can’t resist a good cookie.

    Behind every Mightylicious cookie is the belief that allergen-friendly treats shouldn’t sacrifice taste or texture. These soft-baked delights are 100% free of gluten, wheat, rye, barley, and RBST. The entire line is made from all-natural, non-GMO ingredients.

    “Our hand-crafted cookies are designed to indulge and satisfy,” says Mightylicious founder and owner Carolyn Haeler.

     

    This cookie has been a family tradition for over three generations. While staying true to the original recipe, we replaced the wheat flour, eggs and butter! The cookie doesn’t have any gluten, butter or eggs and yet it’s sweet, salty, savory and delicious.

    Grandma Arline’s Oatmeal Coconut

    This cookie has been a family tradition for over three generations. While staying true to the original recipe, Mightylicious replaced the wheat flour, eggs and butter! The cookie doesn’t have any gluten, butter or eggs and yet it’s sweet, salty, savory and delicious.

    Kosher, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan, Non-GMO

    Double Dutch Chocolate Chip

    At Mightylicious, they take chocolate very seriously which is why they use two types of cocoa powder in these cookies: Dutch processed and extra dark. This combination of cocoas gives our cookies a rich, dark chocolate flavor.

    Kosher, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO

    Salted Peanut Butter

    With just 6 simple ingredients, these cookies were designed for purists. Here Mightylicious use the best quality peanut butter, eggs, vanilla, and maple syrup to create a cookie that is somewhere between fudge and cookie in texture.

    Kosher, Gluten-Free, Diary-Free, Non-GMO, Grain-Free

    The Mightylicious story

    A cookie lover who was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2012, Carolyn spent years seeking out gluten-free cookie brands. One busy holiday season, she was disappointed yet again when a gluten-free cookie crumbled entirely after one bite.

    “That’s when I realized there had to be a better way,” says Carolyn, a married mom, member of the LGBTQ community, and one smart cookie herself. “I was determined to create a cookie that was gluten-free, healthy, and above all, irresistibly delicious.”

    The Mightylicious line features 7 varieties, including 2 vegan options: Brown Butter Chocolate Chip, Brown Butter Shortbread, Oatmeal Raisin, Double Dutch Chocolate Chip, Grandma Arline’s Oatmeal Coconut, Salted Peanut Butter, and Vegan Chocolate Chip. (7.4 oz bag, MSRP: $7.99)

    Find Mightylicious online and in retail outlets including Walmart (231 outlets nationwide), Whole Foods, Costco, King’s, Price Chopper, and more.